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Rob Gronkowski will be a Patriot as long as Tom Brady is quarterback

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Rob Gronkowski getting money added to his contract

Rob Gronkowski’s new deal is a lot like Brady’s. It’s all performance based for the tight end. The Patriots added $4.3 million to his contract this season. It gives him $1 million per game and $3.3 million in incentives. The total amount of his deal is now $13.05 million according to Adam Schefter. Gronkowski has been seeking a new contract since the start of training camp last season. He was also contemplating retirement in the offseason. Once he found out Tom Brady was coming back and he got a talking too by Bill Belichick he was a full go for the 2018 season.

Gronkowski wants to win championships but he also wants his money too. As Danny Amendola said- the Patriots aren’t known for playing their players. But if you want to win New England is the place to be. Like Brady, Gronkowski’s contract had no years added. Gronkowski is year to year. However, Brady’s contract is up at the end of the 2019 season. If Brady walks at the end of his contract you might see Gronkowski either retire or play somewhere else. Gronkowski’s contract is also up at the end of the 2019 season. Gronkowski will be 30 by the end of the season. The tight end wants to be on a winning team with a great quarterback, and with the Patriots he can get both.

Health is key

If he meets all the incentives he will become the highest paid tight end in the NFL. Gronkowski deserves it but he has to stay on the field. Gronkowski is so injury prone but the team really needs him healthy for the entirety of the season. If he remains on the field he’ll make the money. Same goes for Brady if he plays at a high level. With Brady skipping the offseason voluntary workouts the Patriots were questioning his commitment to the team. We could be seeing a completely different team in 2020.

Did Etling do Enough to Surpass Hoyer?

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The Mystique of the Backup

The allure of the backup quarterback is one of the most unusual phenomenon in all of professional sports. If the team used a premium draft pick, they expect the kid to grab the job right away. When your team signs a free agent, you hope he can provide depth and competition for a poor starter. In the most optimistic light you look for the positives of the late-round flyer to make the team and grow into a viable option for the next Kurt Warner or Tom Brady. The New England Patriots drafted Danny Etling with the first pick of the seventh round out of LSU. He had all the usual buzzwords of the project quarterback. Big arm, garbage pocket presence, inconsistent mechanics, high upside and development prospect were the most common.

Yet, the New England faithful grasped those brittle straws with a desperation that bordered on mania. The fans of the Patriots had received a 1-2 combo gut punch of former qb news. A swap of Jacoby Brissett for near bust wideout in Phillip Dorsett was not well-received, especially after Brissett went on to perform admirably for a flawed Colts team.

Just when the people resigned themselves to a quarterback controversy in the upcoming offseason New England did the unthinkable. Shipping uber-dreamy backup Jimmy G to the west coast for a perceived discount struck fans the wrong way. The jolt he provided the 49ers gave them the energy to run off a 5 game win streak to close out the season. Could Danny Etling be that guy to make us forget all our woes? He must be; why else would Bill Belichick make those moves and take those risks at the game’s most important position?

 

The Patriots Plan

I get it. Brian Hoyer is not the sexiest option for fans to think about as a backup to Tom Brady. For every positive that you can point out in his career you can point out an equally devastating negative. Still, he is one of the better candidates for helping the Patriots maintain their AFC East domination in the event of the unthinkable. He posted a 61.3 completion percentage with 288 yards in a preseason that started very poorly for him. High throws, lack of rhythm, and uneven chemistry with the offensive personnel. Hoyer saw most of his action against starters and backups that will comprise NFL rosters when the season starts.

Did Etling show enough promise that the Patriots brass might forgo that security of the knowable for the risk of mystique?

The Positives

“Ran his way into the practice squad of my heart!”

-Mark Schofield gushing over Danny Etling’s 86 yard TD run on the Locked on Patriots podcast.

 

Then came the week 4 preseason game. After an uneven performance in the first half. Danny Etling was seeing his most extensive action of the preseason. On a zone read play that fooled the entire, and I mean, ENTIRE NY Giants defense, Etling kept the ball and ran. He streaked, fully clothed, down the sidelines for a touchdown to secure the lead and the game. This encapsulated a good/bad performance from the young kid trying to scratch out the beginnings of a career in the NFL.

The Negatives

“Seven guys just got cut on that one play!”

-Broadcast announcer during the game.

 

As feel good and uplifting as that play was, it was mostly the result of some very poor defense. The play came against young players facing long odds for a roster spot. The final stat line by Etling’s preseason shows the guy that most people scouted prior to the draft. On 36 attempts he connected for 19 passes and 175 yards through the air. His accuracy on short passes was particularly alarming. His running ability did provide a nice contrast to the normally elephantine pace of the New England Patriots quarterbacks. I mean, fleet-footed, gazelle-like speed. He rushed for 4 first downs throughout the preseason. Could that be enough for him to possibly find himself on the roster?

The 2018 Outcome

Unfortunately, no. In the harsh economics of the NFL he simply didn’t show enough this preseason to warrant one of the coveted 53 man roster spot. Every spot is valuable and reserving a single spot for a developmental quarterback that will not be active on game day is a very high cost. Several factors could work in his favor if they were present. If Hoyer had a disastrous preseason. Or if his production did not warrant his cost.

If the Patriots had invested a higher round pick in Etling it would have made them more inclined to keep him. I would like him to be able to grab a practice squad spot. His experience in the system is enough to be an asset for practice and an emergency option. The rest of the NFL will get an option to grab him first for their team if the Patriots go this route. 

The NFL is a tough place filled with fleeting success and long memories. Bill Belichick has mastered the more obscure paths of team management, so I’ll refer any questions to him and I’m absolutely sure he will respond to your inquiry with the respect and depth that he is known for.

 

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

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Top 5 Tuesday: Predictions for 2018 Season

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Welcome back to Top 5 Tuesday after our more-than-brief hiatus. This week, we will make 5 bold predictions for the New England Patriots’ 2018 season.

THE PATRIOTS WILL LOSE ONLY ONE GAME

Okay, it definitely is a daring prediction; however, this team is a lot better than the team that went 13-3 last season. My biggest worries would be the Texans, Packers, Vikings, and Jaguars. Hopefully, we don’t also lose a dud game against a divisional rival.

 

THE DEFENSE WILL FINISH TOP 5 IN TOTAL SACKS

Don’t look now but New England’s front 7 just got stacked. Our newcomers include Derek Rivers, Dont’a Hightower, Danny Shelton, Adrian Clayborn, Harvey Langi, and the emerging Ja’Whaun Bentley to add to a defense that achieved 42.0 sacks last year (finished in the top half of the league).

 

PHILLIP DORSETT WILL LEAD THE TEAM IN YARDS IN THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS

With the Edelman out the first four weeks, someone is going to need to step up to be Brady’s top target outside of Gronk. While it may seem like a sure bet for Hogan who has developed a surefire chemistry with Brady in the past, Dorsett should not be forgotten. He has the quickness, hands, and ability to create separation that can propel him into Brady’s circle of trust.

EITHER JC JACKSON OR KEION CROSSEN MAKES THE ROSTER

JC Jackson is enjoying a strong offseason, impressing the coaches and earned first team-reps earlier in the summer. Keion Crossen hasn’t had as good of a summer, but certainly has the measurables and potential to get that dark horse spot. Either way, one of these rookies will make it on the roster and I believe will provide a positive impact in games.

 

JAMES WHITE WILL BE THE PATS’ LEADING RUSHER

I remember when Sweet Feet got drafted in 2014. I hadn’t thought much of it at the time. He proved me wrong, showing up time after time in the playoffs. With all the injuries and players leaving, I think White will finally get a bigger workload and lead New England in both yards and touches.

 

People need to get over Alex Guerrero

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The Alex Guerrero drama needs to stop

The Alex Guerrero drama is getting old now. Alex Guerrero was on the team plane when the Patriots traveled to Carolina to take on the Panthers. Big deal Brady has his trainer on the plane let’s ask thirty questions about his trainer but none about the wide receiver problem. Brady had his weekly radio interview on WEEI this morning and hung up after repeated questions about Alex Guerrero. Brady didn’t want to get into it and instead would much rather talk about the actual football instead of the drama. Alex Guerrero was on the team plane get over it.

Brady should do interviews on the Sports Hub

There are many other issues with the Patriots other than Alex Guerrero traveling with the team. For example, the wide receiving position. What’s going to happen the first month of the season with Edelman out? Who’s going to take his place? The Pats also have concerns with their offensive line that should be addressed. The defense as a whole has some issues that could be discussed. This isn’t the first time WEEI has made Tom Brady mad. Quite honestly Brady should be doing interviews with 98.5 The Sports Hub with Zolak and Bertrand. At least there would be actual football questions not questions about drama. Zolak does the games on the radio side of the broadcast with Bob Socci.

Who cares if Alex Guerrero was on the sideline at the game or not. He’s Brady’s trainer and is allowed to fly on the team plane to treat Brady with what he needs before game time. Even though Brady isn’t on the field the knowledge he has about the game, in general, is good. Overall the stupid questions about Guerrero need to stop because that’s not going to win football games. The production on the field is what matters. Brady should consider doing weekly interviews on the Sports Hub instead since they cover the games on the radio side.

Who Should the Patriots Target at Wide Receiver

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Wide Receiver Options

The Patriots lost another wide receiver over the weekend. Eric Decker announced his retirement after eight seasons in the NFL. It really was no shock as Decker was probably going to be cut anyway. Decker didn’t play with Brady on Friday night against the Panthers so that was the final straw. Decker was having an issue connecting with Tom Brady all training camp. As of right now the Patriots have Edelman, Hogan, Patterson, and Dorsett as the primary receivers. With Gronkowski rounding the corps out it appears as long as Brady remains healthy they should be alright. That being said, the team could always use another solid wideout. Let’s take a look at who they could pick up.

  1. Dez Bryant: Dez Bryant is still on the market. He’s a big bodied receiver that would get open and demands the ball a lot. Bryant had 6 touchdowns last season with 838 yards. Bryant did have some issues with the Cowboys and how they were running things. Belichick doesn’t take any nonsense though so if locker room drama began expect to see Bryant out of New England in a heartbeat. If Bryant wants to be on a winning team the Patriots are the best option. If Belichick doesn’t want the drama that comes with him Belichick will look in another direction.
  2. Golden Tate: Mike Reiss makes a good point on his personal website mikereiss.net Golden Tate is entering the final year of his contract. Reiss suggested a trade package of Elandon Roberts and Malcolm Brown for Golden Tate. Does that trade make sense for the Patriots and Lions? It might for two reasons. First, Matt Patricia knows Brown and Roberts from when he was a defensive coordinator for the Patriots. Second, Tate would be great for Brady to have someone other than Hogan, Patterson, and Dorsett to throw to. Tate scored five touchdowns for 1,003 yards last season for the Lions.

They aren’t going to trade for someone in the division or even in the conference. The receiving core in the division isn’t really that good anyway. If any quarterback can make it work though it’s Brady. We have seen him time and time again do more with less talent than any other quarterback in the history of the game. I personally like the Golden Tate idea even better than Bryant. Getting Deymarius Thomas from the Broncos isn’t really a good idea since the Broncos are in the conference.

 

Kenny Britt Released. What it Means for New England’s Receiving Corps

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Kenny Britt released

With the release of Kenny Britt the Patriot’s receiving corps has gotten even weaker. It was clear Britt wasn’t getting the Patriots offense. He even said on Sunday he was behind. Overall not a good sign when they are in week three of the preseason. With Edelman out for a month the only reliable receiver right now is Chris Hogan. That clearly isn’t good enough.

The Patriot’s receiving corps is weak

The Patriots signed Eric Decker but he’s having a hard time connecting with Brady. Friday’s game will be a test to see which receiver will come through other than Hogan. Dez Bryant is still a free agent receiver waiting to be signed. Brady has to be frustrated but is Bryant really the answer to the problem? He can get open and catch the ball yes, however he does come with a lot of baggage. Between his attitude and wanting the ball all the time. I’m also waiting to see what Patterson can do to help this offense. This is arguably Brady’s worst group of receivers since 2006.

 

Tom Brady when asked if he worked with Britt in the off-season repeatedly said “I wasn’t here.” Even away from Foxborough Brady said he wasn’t here. He usually goes to Montana and take receivers up there to practice with him. Last year he took Edelman and Danny Amendola. It was reported he worked with Edelman during the off-season but not with Britt or anyone else.

Brady already connects well with Hogan and Gronkowski. Now he needs to connect with Decker, Patterson, Dorsett, McCarron, Berrios, and Lucien. Beyond Edelman and Hogan not one other Patriots receiver has caught a touchdown pass from Tom Brady.

There may be more cuts coming for the Patriots receivers too if some don’t shape up. That might even include Eric Decker who’s a year younger than Edelman. It’s going to be hard trying to replace last year’s receiving corps that could connect with Brady.

 

Tom Brady Felt Rusty On Thursday Night

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Tom Brady Felt Rusty In His First Preseason Game

Tom Brady missed all offseason voluntary workouts but did attend minicamp. Brady also went to training camp a few days early. With Julian Edelman out the first four games of the season, the wide receiving group is struggling to connect with Brady. On Thursday Brady’s time on the field consisted of throwing passes to James White, Julian Edelman, and Chris Hogan. He did not throw a pass to Eric Decker or Cordarrelle Patterson. The connection between Brady and Decker has been especially troublesome, as he’s dropped a lot of passes during training camp.

 

Tom Brady has been reported to being rusty during training camp. On Thursday he looked sharp throwing to the receivers he feels comfortable with. However, according to Brady, he felt rusty. Brady told WEEI this morning that he felt rusty because it was his first game since the Super Bowl. Without the joint practices, the preseason games provide key opportunities. Especially with Brady missing the offseason workouts the preseason provides him with the opportunity to get the workouts in he would’ve gotten had he attended.

Tom Brady Behind With His New Receivers

It seems like Tom Brady is behind which could be a cause for concern as the season approaches fast. Cordarrelle Patterson or Eric Decker is going to have to step it up. One of them will have to be a key factor besides Chris Hogan and Rob Gronkowski. Kenny Britt was on the practice field yesterday but is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Britt told reporters on Sunday that he’s behind.

“I definitely feel like I’m behind, because I’m not out there with the guys, getting the chemistry I need with the quarterbacks, and getting on the same page with everyone.”

Overall this is not a good look. If Hogan, Edelman, or Gronkowski get hurt the Patriots could be in for a bumpy start to the season. Brady will play at a high level but if his new receivers can’t catch the ball you’ll be seeing a very frustrated Tom Brady.

The Case of Ja’Whaun Bentley

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“With the No. 143 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Ja’Whaun Bentley, ILB, Purdue. He is a 6-foot-2, 260 pounds off-the-ball linebacker who’s considered to some as a contact player.”

Image result for ja'whaun bentley nfl draft pictures

Following the Super Bowl, a glaring need for the Patriots was a coverage linebacker. When New England drafted Ja’Whaun Bentley, the NFL community didn’t think as much of it. After all, his draft profile from the NFL.com didn’t show much promise.

“…Bentley has athletic limitations that hinder his effectiveness as an NFL finisher and he’s ill-suited to handle coverage duties against the pass. Bentley lacks ideal speed and reaction time…”

He has been proving this profile wrong as he continues to impress in preseason games. In his debut, he logged six tackles (two for loss) and a quarterback hit in addition to four stops in coverage. This performance earned him a 90.0 PFF grade and a spot in PFF’s Team of the Week Defense.

PFF NFL Team of the Week, Preseason Week 1, Harold Landry

In his second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he started over Elandon Roberts and ended the game again with six tackles and more notably returned a fumble back for a touchdown. He also forced incompletions against the likes of Jay Ajayi and Dallas Goedert.

Bright Future for the Rookie

One of his biggest concerns about Bentley was his speed and coverage skills. He shined in both of these areas in the two preseason games he had played. He has been able to keep up with both tight ends and running backs which is a good sign for the young rookie and a sign of relief for New England fans. Scott Zolak even noted how Bentley looked like a young Jerod Mayo out there, except Mayo was never that fast.

Another important fact of note is that the rookie donned the green dot on his helmet, meaning that he was the one calling plays for the first team defense. The New England staff has a lot of faith in him.

“He’s always been the middle linebacker, the signal caller, the guy right in the middle of the defense,” Bill Belichick said, citing Bentley’s experience as a four-year captain at Purdue. “He does a good job of handling the communication and some of the adjustments that have to be made from the center of the field, which that’s his position; that’s part of it. He’s been able to do that pretty well since he’s come here… He’s got a long way to go, but he’s handled those things well.” (USA Today)

All in all, Ja’Whaun Bentley has been impressing on all cylinders. He’s smart, intuitive, strong, and possesses a huge build. If he continues to play like he has been, Bentley can take over Elandon Roberts’ spot as the starter.

Who Will Make the Cut at Running Back

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Which Running Backs Will Make The Team

It’s no secret the New England Patriots have lots of running backs at the moment. Injuries have plagued the position early on. Newly drafted Sony Michel has a knee injury. According to Jeff Howe of the Athletic Michel had his knee drained earlier this month due to a tear in his meniscus. Running back Rex Burkhead is also dealing with a slight tear in his knee but according to Howe it’s a minor injury and nothing serious. James White seems to be Tom Brady’s go-to guy as we saw on Thursday night against the Eagles. Fighting for a roster spot on the Patriots is running back Mike Gillislee who had 383 yards last season and 5 touchdowns.

Rex Burkhead was initially on the practice field Sunday afternoon but would go to the lower field with teammates on the physically unable to perform list. Rex Burkhead has not taken a preseason snap yet. Rookie running back Sony Michel was a no show in practice yesterday. Undrafted free agent Ralph Webb made a good impression in the first preseason game this season. Bill Belichick had this to say after the game against Washington:

“It’s what he was like at Vanderbilt: he ran hard, he’s tough. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s got good strength for his size and he runs hard. … He’s a tough kid, runs with good pad level. Webb’s got good speed, catches the ball well. Made a nice catch on the two-point play. It was a low ball, made a good adjustment on the catch and got it in.”

My Predictions

In my opinion, I think the following running backs make the team.

  • James White. He had 429 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also is Brady’s most trusted running back on the team.
  • Rex Burkhead. He had 264 yards and five touchdowns last season.
  • Ralph Webb. He’s had a decent preseason and Belichick seems to like him.
  • Sony Michel singed a rookie contract and has the potential to be the next Dion Lewis.

That leaves Mike Gillislee not making the roster for the upcoming season. Last season Gillislee finished the season with 104 carries for 334 yards. Gillislee appeared in just one of the team’s final eleven games last season. He would injure his knee in that game and miss the entirety of the postseason.

The second running back who will be cut is Jeremy Hill. Hill never found the end zone and only had 116 rushing yards last season. The Patriots will carry four running backs on the roster heading into the season.

 

Rookie Number Prognostication: Part 1

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What is in a jersey number? They are the printed numerals that are on a player’s jersey. A quick means of identifying that player on the field. The individual is easily recognizable so that yardage, catch, penalty, or score is tallied correctly.  But they are so much more than that. Certain generations of New England Patriots fans can remember moments and envision number 12, 87, and 3 on jerseys. Older fans have memories of 78, 57, and 73 when remembering both heartbreaking moments or fantastic triumphs. Still, others will fondly recall number 20, 89, and 79 especially when beginning a sentence with, “Remember that game…”

Will a young child today recall a time when #5, #29 or #34 made the game-changing play?

Bill Belichick allowed the 2018 Patriots rookie class to don their permanent numbers just prior to the first preseason game of this year. In years past rookies weren’t assigned numbers until at least the end of minicamp. This was seen as a motivational tactic to have them earn a roster spot. Of course the NFL saw something that Belichick was doing and put a stop to it. And naturally when getting told not to do something that is different and to get in line, he handed out the rookies numbers starting in the 50s. The NFL has rules regarding which positions can wear certain numbers. So everyone knew what was going on.

People began weighing in on what numbers they should get. There is a trend on social media and among football analysts about who will have a great career based upon their number. These takes are backed up by insane reasoning, including how good the number looks on a certain body type, if an all-time great around the NFL had worn it, or if it was one of the numbers that the mysterious TV show Lost featured. I will dive right in and add my thoughts on the Patriots rookie class. I will not be using any of those criteria. Instead, I will base their future New England greatness on how prestigious the previous wearers of that number were, or if there is room for someone to make his mark on the numeral. And there may be a few wild cards thrown in, as you’ll see below.



Danny Etling No. 5.

It’s amazing that on a team as storied as the New England Patriots that there is a single digit number with as little wear as this one. Etling shares the number with other Patriots such as Greg Davis, Pat O’Neill, and Fred Steinfort. In fact, the only ones I recognized was Shayne Graham, when he filled in for Gostkowski in his injury-shortened 2010 season, and Kevin O’Connell for a single season.

Greatness Verdict: Yes!! Patriots greatness awaits #5 and Danny Etling. No one has yet impressed the fan base wearing that number. And a youthful first name will propel him to what will undoubtedly multiple Pro Bowls!


Corey Bojorquez — No. 7

It was nearly the same single digit wasteland as #5 until I remembered that Jacoby Brissett wore this for his cup-of-coffee stint in New England. Why does this change the destiny of the number? When Brissett inevitably reaches free agency and steals the starting job from Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen he will lead his new team to Super Bowl glory. Aside from Charlie Gogolak, John Huarte and Hugh Millen, no one else held the number for more than a single season.

Greatness Verdict: Not this kid. Unfortunately with the dual strikes of being an undrafted punter and following in Brissett’s footstep it will not be Corey that we remember the 7 for on the Patriots


Braxton Berrios — No. 14

At first glance you could say that he has a shot at claiming this number. Brandin Cooks, Tom Yewcic and Zoltan Mesko are some of the more familiar names to put in that number. However, you simply cannot compete to a guy that played for 16 seasons at the games most important position. If not for injuries, Steve Grogan may well have his number retired and an underdog Super Bowl Victory under his belt.

Greatness Verdict: Almost, but not quite. For every Welker and Edelman that go on to make a name for themselves there are a dozen more slight, slot receivers that never do. And the added pressure of reminding fans of a painful Super Bowl memory doesn’t help.

Sony Michel — No. 29

Now we are getting into the critical numbers and players for the New England Patriots. The jersey number selection is becoming important in determining a players ultimate success. No. 29 has been worn by some young prospects (Shane Vereen, Sterling Moore), and some veterans on short stints with the Patriots (Chris Hayes, Myron Guyton). One of the greatest names ever for a football player ever in Earthwind Moreland as he spent a year wearing it in New England. Here’s where it gets interesting. Recent fan favorite LeGarrette Blount wore it for three seasons. Being a veteran journeyman that won his Super Bowl and moved on. That to me says that the number is ready for a home-grown running back to hang that number up.

Greatness Verdict: This one is easy. It will be in the rafters when Sony Michel hangs his cleats up. Having a fantastic name and being the perfect new age running back. He can be a featured name in the Patriots as they transition from the Brady Belichick Era to a possible Etling and Michel Era.


JC Jackson — No. 34

We have a dilemma here. This is an undrafted player that can be a star. Made some mistakes in college and one of the most professional teams in the NFL is willing to give him a chance. The only problem I see is that he chose a number that is filled with decent role players. Tebucky Jones, Sammy Morris, Prentice McCray, Ron Sellers, and Shane Vereen. The most notable name is the Boston Patriots DB Chuck Shonta. An eight year career in the 60s that saw him intercept QBs 15 times is not great but okay. There is a huge risk in wearing this number because as a CB it appears that its best times were in eras past.

Greatness Verdict: Not wearing this number! JC Jackson may be the next good undrafted cornerback, but not wearing #34. It saw its best days when double bar helmets and Pat the Patriot were things.

 

Look for Part 2 very soon when I dive into the rest of the Patriots rookie class.

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com

Follow me on Twitter: @ALykins32